C-Test at the University of Passau: English placement
The University of Passau Language Centre places students in English with an online C-Test in ILIAS, split into Law, Cultural Studies, and Business and Economics. If you have prior knowledge, you take it before registering for a course in Stud.IP. Here are the facts from the Language Centre’s page and its questions and answers.
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C-Test Prep is not part of any university. Dates and rules can change; the university’s own page is always authoritative.
Key facts
| Format | online C-Test in ILIAS; a pre-test that shows you the format is compulsory first |
|---|---|
| Subject versions | Law, Cultural Studies, or Business and Economics; Computer Science and teacher training students take Cultural Studies |
| Time | according to the questions and answers, about 30 minutes of pure test time, not counting reading in |
| When | for the 2026/27 winter semester from 28 September 2026, 8:00, to 8 October 2026, 22:00; no registration |
| Where | on any computer with internet, using your ZIM login (says the questions and answers page); mobile devices may display it badly |
| Who | everyone with prior knowledge; an Abitur exam in English does not exempt you, according to the questions and answers |
| Result | on screen at once; save it or take a screenshot, and bring a printout to the first class |
| Validity | two semesters; without a language course in that time you take the test again |
Source: Universität Passau: Einstufungstests und Anmeldung zu den Sprachkursen
Course registration and rules
- Registration for all language courses runs in Stud.IP from 28 September 2026, 8:00, to 8 October 2026, 23:59.
- Places are allocated by lottery on 8 October 2026 at 23:59. After that, late registration from 9 October to 1 November 2026 is only possible where places are free.
- Without a printout of your result at the first class, you may lose your course place.
- If you have prior knowledge but skip the test, you may be excluded from the course later.
- In Business English the result places you at Upper-Intermediate (B2) or Advanced (C1); both entry courses assume no prior knowledge of business.
- With a certificate such as TOEFL you cannot place yourself; according to the questions and answers, you contact the Language Centre with a copy.
Source: Universität Passau: Einstufungstests und Anmeldung zu den Sprachkursen
What this means for your preparation
- About 30 minutes of pure test time is a little more than the 25 minutes of the C-Test Prep simulation. The page does not say how many texts or gaps there are.
- The C-Test Prep texts are general. Because Passau tests by subject, also read some English texts from law, culture or business beforehand.
- Take the compulsory pre-test calmly, then start the main test on a laptop or PC, not on your phone.
- The test window and course registration close almost together on 8 October 2026. Take the test early in the window so you have time to register in Stud.IP.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register for the placement test in Passau?
No. You take the test in ILIAS within the stated period; you only register afterwards in Stud.IP for the course.
Which version of the Passau English test do I take?
The one for your subject: Law, Cultural Studies, or Business and Economics. Computer Science and teacher training students take Cultural Studies.
Does my English Abitur replace the test?
No. According to the Language Centre’s questions and answers, you must take the test even after an Abitur exam in the language.
How long is the Passau result valid?
Two semesters. If you have not attended a language course in that time, you take the test again.